At Amref International University (AMIU), innovation is not just taught, it is practiced, tested, and transformed into real-world solutions. The From Idea to Impact Business Plan Workshop stands as a testament to this commitment, bringing together aspiring health entrepreneurs and equipping them with the tools, mindset, and structure needed to address pressing public health challenges across Africa.
Delivered in partnership with the Family Larsson-Rosenquist Foundation (FLRF), the workshop is a flagship initiative under the Health Entrepreneurship Academy, designed to guide participants through the full lifecycle of venture creation , from ideation to execution and ultimately, to investment readiness.
Day 1: Laying the Foundation for Innovation
The workshop commenced with a structured introduction to the Learning Cycle, providing participants with a clear roadmap for the journey ahead. Facilitators guided students through the process of generating and refining initial business ideas, setting the stage for impactful innovation.
Participants then formed working groups aligned to shared interests and ideas, fostering collaboration and peer learning. The afternoon session transitioned into active group work, where teams began shaping their early concepts into structured problem-solution frameworks.
Day 2: Building the Entrepreneurial Mindset and Strategy
Day 2, led by Dr. Katharina Lichtner, focused on cultivating the mindset and strategic thinking required for successful entrepreneurship.
Participants explored the distinction between social enterprises and traditional NGOs, gaining clarity on sustainability-driven business models. The session emphasized the importance of starting with a clear vision, then aligning it with business models, operations, and financial planning.
Key areas included:
- Developing resilience, adaptability, and data-driven decision-making
- Conducting comprehensive market analysis and positioning
- Structuring effective and compelling pitch presentations
The day also featured a guest session by Diana Gichaga, Founder & Managing Partner at Private Equity Support, who provided practical insights into investment readiness and access to sustainable capital, bridging the gap between innovation and financing.
Day 3: From Ideas to Real-World Solutions
Day 3 marked a critical transition into Product and Customer Development, emphasizing the importance of designing solutions grounded in real-life user experiences.
Dr. Lichtner challenged participants to focus on Product-Market Fit, highlighting that successful ventures must seamlessly integrate into the daily workflows of their customers. Through real-world case studies, particularly in maternal health, teams learned to design solutions that are practical, accessible, and relevant.
Participants were also guided to:
- Define their Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
- Develop product pipelines for long-term sustainability
- Understand product maturity and lifecycle considerations
A key highlight was the introduction of the “honest pricing model,” which emphasized the need to account for all operational and hidden costs ,from logistics to stakeholder engagement , ensuring financial sustainability.
The day concluded with a powerful insight: innovation must be process-driven and scalable, rather than limited to small pilot solutions.
Day 4: Building the Cornerstone – Team Strategy and Financial Planning
Day 4 shifted focus to the operational backbone of a successful venture: people and finances.
Participants learned that building a strong team is a core strategic activity, supported by tools such as the Skill Matrix, which helps identify competency gaps and define key roles within a startup.
The sessions explored:
- Strategic hiring practices, including trial periods and alternative talent sourcing
- Incentive and compensation models, balancing financial constraints with team motivation
- The risks associated with long-term reliance on volunteer labor
The afternoon focused on financial discipline, equipping participants with essential skills in budgeting, financial modeling, and data visualization , critical components for attracting investors.
A defining takeaway from the day was:
“The money follows the structure.”
The Grand Finale: Pitching Competition and Award Ceremony
The workshop culminated in a dynamic Pitching Competition and Award Ceremony held on 25th March 2026, where seven finalist teams presented their ventures to a panel of judges and industry leaders.
The event was graced by distinguished keynote speakers, including:
- Prof. Alice Lakati, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and Community Extension at AMIU
- H.E Mirko Giulietti, Swiss Ambassador to Kenya
- Dr. Veronica Kirogo, Director of Nutrition and Dietetics Services, State Department for Publich Health and Professional Standards, MOH Kenya
Celebrating Innovation: Cohort II Winners
After a highly competitive pitch session, three outstanding ventures emerged:
🥇 BeneVita Home Healthcare
A professionalized, insurance-integrated home nursing model improving access to quality care
Award: $3,500
🥈 Afya Mind
A digital mental health platform designed to enhance practitioner efficiency
Award: $2,000
🥉 Maggo Care
A specialized, patient-centered chronic care solution
Award: $1,000
These ventures demonstrated exceptional innovation, scalability, and real-world relevance, embodying the core mission of the programme.
A Launchpad for Impact
The From Idea to Impact Business Plan Workshop goes beyond theoretical learning — it is a transformational experience that equips participants with the skills, confidence, and practical tools needed to build sustainable health enterprises.
By the end of the programme, participants are not only equipped with refined ideas but also:
- Validated business models
- Structured operational plans
- Investor-ready financial frameworks
As AMIU continues to champion innovation in health education, this workshop remains a powerful platform for nurturing the next generation of African health entrepreneurs and change-makers.
🌍 From Idea To Impact the journey continues for Cohort 3 and looking forward to seeing their innovations come to life.
